Sept. 12, 2025 – History Highlights
Today marks the 255th day of 2025, with 110 days remaining in the year.
On September 12, 2008, a tragic head-on collision between a Metrolink commuter train and a freight train in Los Angeles resulted in 25 fatalities.
Significant Historical Events:
In 1857, the S.S. Central America, known as the “Ship of Gold,” sank off South Carolina during a hurricane, leading to the loss of 425 lives and substantial gold cargo.
The discovery of ancient Lascaux cave paintings in France occurred in 1940, dating back approximately 17,000 years.
In 1958, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled unanimously in Cooper v. Aaron, affirming that Arkansas officials could not ignore desegregation mandates.
The Soviet Union launched Luna 2, its first lunar probe, in 1959, marking a significant milestone in space exploration.
In a renowned 1962 speech at Rice University, President John F. Kennedy emphasized the nation's commitment to lunar exploration, stating, “We choose to go to the moon… not because they are easy, but because they are hard.”
In 1977, anti-apartheid activist Steve Biko died under police custody in South Africa, sparking widespread condemnation.
Tragedy struck in 1994 when a stolen Cessna crashed onto the White House lawn, claiming the life of pilot Frank Eugene Corder.
U.S. forces faced backlash in 2003 after mistakenly firing on police in Fallujah, resulting in eight deaths.
Novak Djokovic won his first U.S. Open title in 2011, defeating Rafael Nadal.
Voyager 1 achieved a historic feat in 2013 by becoming the first human-made object to exit the solar system.
Notable Birthdays:
Today celebrates several notable figures:
- Linda Gray, 85
- Maria Muldaur, 82
- Michael Ondaatje, 82
- Joe Pantoliano, 74
- Nan Goldin, 72
- Hans Zimmer, 68
- Rachel Ward, 68
- Greg Gutfeld, 61
- Louis C.K., 58
- Angel Cabrera, 56
- Jennifer Nettles, 51
- 2 Chainz, 48
- Ruben Studdard, 47
- Yao Ming, 45
- Jennifer Hudson, 44
- Alfie Allen, 39
- Emmy Rossum, 39
- Freddie Freeman, 36
- Kelsea Ballerini, 32
- Sydney Sweeney, 28